Comparison of Prescription Lidocaine Patch to Over the Counter Lidocaine Patch and Placebo for Back Pain and Arthritis

Updated: September 1, 2023

lidocaine patch prescription

Lidocaine Patch: Types and Uses

A lidocaine patch is a small, adhesive patch that contains the local anesthetic drug, lidocaine. The patch is applied to the skin to provide relief from pain.

There are two types of lidocaine patches: over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription. OTC lidocaine patches are available without a doctor’s prescription and are typically used to relieve minor pain. Prescription lidocaine patches are only available with a doctor’s prescription and are used to relieve more severe pain.

Lidocaine patches work by numbing the pain receptors in the skin. When applied to the skin, the lidocaine in the patch blocks the pain signals from reaching the brain. This provides relief from pain.

Lidocaine patches are typically applied to the skin for up to 12 hours at a time. The patch can be worn for longer if needed, but should be removed after 12 hours.

Lidocaine patches are typically used to relieve pain from:

-Minor burns

-Minor cuts and scrapes

-Insect bites

-Muscle aches

-Arthritis pain

-Neuralgia

Lidocaine patches should not be used on:

-Open wounds

-Sensitive skin

-Areas of broken skin

-Areas of skin that are inflamed or infected

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not use lidocaine patches.

If you are using other medications, please talk to your doctor before using lidocaine patches.

Lidocaine patches may cause side effects, including:

-Skin irritation

-Allergic reaction

-Dizziness

-Headache

-Nausea

-Vomiting

If you experience any of these side effects, please remove the patch and talk to your doctor.

If you have any questions about using lidocaine patches, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

How to Get a Lidocaine Patch Prescription

If you are looking for information on how to get a lidocaine patch prescription, you have come to the right place. Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that is used to numb the area around a wound or incision. It is also used to relieve pain from burns, insect bites, and other skin conditions. Lidocaine is available in a patch form, which is applied to the skin. The patch is generally worn for a period of 12 hours and then removed. Lidocaine is also available in a gel form, which is applied to the affected area and then covered with a dressing. Lidocaine gel is typically used for a period of 30 minutes to one hour.

If you are experiencing pain in an area that is difficult to reach with your fingers, you may want to consider using a lidocaine patch. Lidocaine is a safe and effective medicine that is available without a prescription. You can find lidocaine patches at most pharmacies and online retailers. When using a lidocaine patch, it is important to follow the instructions on the package. Do not use more or less than directed. Apply the patch to clean, dry skin. Do not apply the patch to broken skin. If you are using the patch for pain relief, you should feel some relief within 20-30 minutes. If you do not feel relief within this time frame, you can remove the patch and reapply it to a different area.

It is important to remember that lidocaine is a medicine and should be used as directed. If you have any questions about how to use the patch, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist. They can provide you with more information and answer any questions you may have.

Risks and Side Effects of Lidocaine Patches

Lidocaine patches are a local anesthetic that numbs the pain in a particular area of your body. The patches are usually applied to the skin over the painful area, such as your back, and are left in place for up to 12 hours at a time.

While lidocaine patches are generally safe, there are a few potential risks and side effects that you should be aware of. The most common side effect is skin irritation at the site of the patch. If this occurs, you can try wearing the patch for a shorter period of time or using a smaller patch.

Other potential side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, headache, and nausea. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. However, if you experience any of these symptoms, you should call your doctor.

Very rare side effects include seizure and allergic reaction. If you experience either of these, you should call your doctor immediately.

Lidocaine patches are not recommended for use in children under the age of 12, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or people with certain medical conditions. Be sure to talk to your doctor before using lidocaine patches to make sure they are safe for you.

How to Use a Lidocaine Patch

Lidocaine Patch: How to Use

This product is a local anesthetic. It is used to relieve pain from various conditions such as postherpetic neuralgia (pain after a shingles infection), and pain from other diseases such as cancer.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is for use on the skin only. Do not apply to open wounds or skin that is irritated or broken. To use, clean the area to be treated. Apply the patch to the area and leave in place for up to 12 hours. If you are using the patch for postherpetic neuralgia, apply to the area of skin where the pain is located. If you are using the patch for cancer pain, apply to a different area of skin each time to avoid irritation.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. If this medicine gets in your eyes, nose, mouth, rectum, or vagina, rinse with water.

Do not use more often or for a longer period than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.

While using this product, do not bathe, shower, swim, or expose the treated area to heat (such as from sunshine, hot tub, sauna, heat pad, or heated waterbed). This will increase your risk of side effects. To avoid injury, be careful when removing used patches since they may be stuck to your skin.

Do not use this medication on a child younger than 2 years old without the advice of a doctor.

Before using this medication, women of childbearing age should talk with their doctors(s) about the risks and benefits. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It is not recommended for use during the last 3 months of pregnancy because it may harm the unborn baby. If you become pregnant while using this medication, tell your doctor right away.

It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.